Poker is a game of chance, but when you factor in betting, it becomes a game of skill and psychology. It’s a great game to learn with friends, as it requires a group of people to play well. The goal of the game is to win the pot, which consists of all bets placed during a round of poker.

To win, a player must have the highest-ranking hand when the final betting phase ends. Each player must reveal their cards during this time, with raising and re-raising allowed. The players’ hands are made up of the two cards in their hand and the five community cards on the table.

When you have a good hand, it’s important to put pressure on opponents by raising. This will price weaker hands out of the pot and increase your chances of winning the hand.

Another great strategy is to keep your cards close to the vest, so that other players don’t know what you have. This way, they can’t call your bluffs and you can have more success with your real hands.

To do this, do several shuffles and cut the deck more than once before you start playing. Also, try to watch experienced players and imagine how you’d react in the same situation to build your own instincts. This way, you’ll be able to make decisions faster and better. You can even practice in online games to get a feel for the game and develop your skills.